Seven people were hurt -- some of them critically injured, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

"It's very, very dramatic. It's surreal," Herrell said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families."

One person was taken to Ocala Regional Hospital, three more men were flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical burns and one person was taken to Shands Hospital. No fatalities were immediately reported.

A fire broke out at the plant at 10:30 p.m. Monday. Herrell said 24 to 26 workers were on staff at the time of the explosions.

"The employees were able to escape and scatter away because the explosion was not in their part of the building," Herrell said.